---
A New Reality
The next few days passed in a blur. Adjusting to his small body and the overwhelming sensation of being in the Naruto world was both exhilarating and disorienting. The orphanage was humble, its walls worn but sturdy, filled with the laughter of children who didn't yet understand the hardships of life.
His fabricated memories of losing his parents in the war burned quietly in his mind. Though fake, they felt real enough to evoke a sense of sorrow that deepened his resolve.
Aya's voice was a constant presence in his mind, offering guidance and updates.
"Host, I've synchronized your attributes with your fabricated background. You'll find your physical capabilities slightly above average for your age, thanks to the potential inherited from your fabricated lineage. Would you like to review your stats?"
"Sure," he replied mentally.
A translucent screen appeared before him:
[Attributes]
Strength: 4
Speed: 5
Intelligence: 6
Chakra Control: 3
Potential: MAX (Dormant)
[Skills]
Basic Taijutsu: Beginner
Basic Chakra Manipulation: Locked
[Titles]
Orphan of the War: +10% sympathy from villagers, -10% chakra recovery rate (emotional trauma).
"Not bad," he thought. Though he was far from strong, the high potential gave him hope.
---
The Academy Beckons
On his fourth day in Konoha, Aya informed him that his fabricated background included an early enrollment into the ninja academy. He was meant to start the next morning, three years younger than most of his peers.
"Are you sure this isn't suspicious?" he asked Aya as he walked through the village with the other orphans.
"Not at all. The system has optimized your background to ensure believability. Your parents were close to the First and Second Hokage, and their sacrifice in the war has earned you enough goodwill to bypass normal procedures."
The village was exactly as he had imagined—bustling with life and activity. Shinobi darted across rooftops, merchants haggled with customers, and children ran through the streets. But there was an undercurrent of tension. The war had taken its toll on everyone.
Forging a New Identity
Through the system's support, Aya had carefully constructed a detailed identity for Rento in the Naruto world. His fabricated self, Shinji Hasegawa, was the culmination of Rento's aspirations and creativity. The backstory Rento chose for Shinji was steeped in both honor and tragedy, designed to create a lasting impact on the world around him.
The Hasegawa lineage was introduced as a respected yet modest family in Konoha, with distant ties to the great Senju and Uzumaki clans. Shinji's parents, Hideo and Aiko Hasegawa, were loyal shinobi who fought alongside the First and Second Hokage in defending the village. They were depicted as kind yet fiercely loyal individuals whose lives were tragically cut short during the First Shinobi War.
This fabricated history provided Shinji with strong connections to the village and its leaders, including Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mito Uzumaki, while also explaining his innate potential and ties to key figures like Tsunade, whom he grew up with.
---
The Tragedy of War
The First Shinobi War erupted when Shinji was only two and a half years old. His fabricated parents sacrificed their lives to protect Konoha from invading forces. The event left Shinji an orphan, but it also ignited an unshakable resolve within him to protect the village and ensure no other child would suffer the same loss.
Aya had ensured that the memories of this fabricated history felt vivid and real, giving Rento an emotional anchor in this new world. The pain of losing his parents, though artificial, drove Shinji to channel his grief into strength.
---
Joining the Academy
At the age of three, Shinji Hasegawa approached Tobirama Senju with an audacious request: to enroll in the ninja academy despite his age. Tobirama, known for his pragmatism, was skeptical at first.
"You're just a child," Tobirama had said, frowning as he looked down at the boy.
"With respect, Lord Second," Shinji replied, his dark eyes burning with determination. "If I am old enough to lose my family to this war, I am old enough to train and fight for this village."
The statement caught Tobirama off guard. The boy's maturity and resolve reminded him of his late brother, Hashirama. After a brief silence, Tobirama relented.
"Very well," he said. "But don't expect any special treatment. If you fail to keep up, you'll be removed immediately."
---
The Academy's New Prodigy
On his first day at the academy, Shinji Hasegawa caused quite the stir. His presence alone was unusual—a three-year-old sitting among older students. However, it wasn't just his age that set him apart.
The instructor, Senju Hiroshi, introduced him to the class. "This is Shinji Hasegawa," Hiroshi said. "Despite his young age, he has been permitted to join us due to exceptional circumstances. Shinji, introduce yourself to your classmates."
Shinji stepped forward, his black hair neatly combed, and his expression calm yet confident. "My name is Shinji Hasegawa," he said. "I am three years old, but age doesn't define ability. My goal is to become Hokage, to protect this village, and to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us."
His voice, steady and filled with conviction, left the room silent. Even the older students couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and curiosity toward him.
Among the students were two familiar faces: Tsunade, who had grown up alongside him, and Jiraiya, a troublemaker who often tried to hide his insecurities with humor. Tsunade looked at Shinji with a mixture of pride and concern.
"He's changed," she thought. "He's always been strong, but now there's something… distant about him."
---
Building Connections
Shinji's first weeks at the academy were challenging. Despite his natural talent and the system's support, he had to navigate the social complexities of being both younger and more skilled than his peers.
The other students viewed him as a prodigy, but his reserved demeanor made it difficult for them to approach him. Even Tsunade, who had known him since they were toddlers, struggled to bridge the gap that seemed to have formed between them.
Jiraiya, on the other hand, was fascinated by Shinji's abilities. "Hey, Shinji!" he called out during a sparring session. "You're pretty good, but can you handle this?"
Jiraiya launched a series of clumsy but enthusiastic attacks. Shinji effortlessly dodged them, his movements precise and calculated. Despite the mismatch in skill, he didn't belittle Jiraiya. Instead, he offered constructive feedback, earning the boy's grudging respect.
---
Laying the Foundation
As weeks turned into months, Shinji's reputation as a prodigy grew. He excelled in all areas of study, from ninjutsu to taijutsu to chakra control. However, he remained humble, often attributing his success to the teachings of his instructors and the support of his peers.
Aya, ever-present in his mind, provided guidance and occasional humor to lighten his burden. "You're doing well, Shinji," she said one evening. "But don't forget to build bonds with your classmates. They'll be your allies in the future."
Shinji nodded. While he valued his independence, he understood the importance of teamwork. Slowly but surely, he began to open up, allowing glimpses of his true self to shine through his stoic exterior.